Catherine and James had a beautiful purple wedding with a floral theme

Catherine and James chose a gorgeous purple wedding theme for their big day, with touches of lace and florals.

The proposal

Catherine and James had talked about getting married, and even went to look at rings, but almost a year passed before he finally popped the question. “There had been several occasions where I thought he might propose, and I was beginning to think it wasn’t going to happen,” Catherine says. “Then, on holiday in New York, we took a boat out on the lake in Central Park, and he finally got down on one knee, almost tipping the boat over!”

The bride’s outfit

Catherine looked beautiful in her intricate lace Justin Alexander dress from Angelica Bridal. “The owner of the bridal boutique suggested it! It wasn’t a style I’d ever have picked out myself, but when I tried it on, it was perfect,” says Catherine. The bride also wore a trio of By Harriet hairpieces, with a pearl bracelet from F Hinds and earrings from H Samuel.

The groom’s outfit

James looked doubly dashing in his two suits – a grey three-piece from Moss Bros for the ceremony and reception, and a pinstripe suit from Suit Supply for the evening. “I helped James choose the suit for the ceremony, because I wanted to make sure it co-ordinated with our colour scheme, but he chose the evening suit himself – he was set on a sharp navy blue number,” smiles Catherine.

The bridesmaids

Catherine’s step sister and two close friends wore beautiful floral dresses from John Lewis. “I didn’t want them all in the same colour,” explains Catherine. “The dresses looked so soft and summery – perfect for a June wedding.”

[related]

The ceremony

James and Catherine held their civil ceremony at Westgate Hall, a stunning Tudor building within the town walls of Old Southampton. James’ brother- in-law’s string trio provided
the music. “They mainly played classical pieces, but they learned Danny Boy especially for the bridal entrance,” says Catherine. “My grandad passed away last year, and it was one of his favourite songs.”

The reception

After the ceremony, the guests travelled to the Dolphin Hotel by double decker bus. “We didn’t have a theme as such, but I wanted a classy and elegant feel,” says Catherine. A balloon modeller kept the younger guests entertained, and in the evening, everyone got their groove on with soul band Soul Factor. “I felt a million dollars dancing with our nearest and dearest,” Catherine says.

The honeymoon

The newlyweds travelled to Tuscany, where they sipped cocktails by the pool and explored the countryside.

Real Wedding Gallery